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October 29, 2013

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Bible Stories, God's Grace & Love, Salvation: A New You

Invite Him into Your Life

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world.” [John 4:39-42 (NLT)]

After Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well, she immediately shared her experience with others. Curious about this man who claimed to be the Messiah, the villagers invited him into their homes so they could spend time with him. They didn’t believe simply because of what another person said; neither should we. We have no need to base our faith simply on someone else’s experience or interpretation of His message; we can base it on our first-hand experience with Him. When we invite Jesus into our hearts and lives, we, too, will know who He is.

Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah! [John 4:26 (NLT)]

 

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October 28, 2013

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Obedience, Prayer, Wisdom & Guidance

His Will Be Done

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. [Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)]

Sometimes, Lord, my prayers are more about me trying to convince you that my way is right rather than my asking you to show me your way. Open my heart, O Lord, to cheerfully accept your will. Lead me, so that I eagerly follow your course. Fill me with your Holy Spirit; may your will be done.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 (NIV)

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October 27, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

If a person thinks that he is religious but can’t control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person’s religion is worthless. Pure, unstained religion, according to God our Father, is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world. [James 1:26-27 (GW)]

Lord, am I just filled with hot air or do I actually live in a way that demonstrates my words and belief? There may be no widows and orphans at my doorstep, but there still is plenty that I can do to make your world a better place. Remind me daily that I can’t just talk your talk, I must walk your walk.

You see and recognize what is right but refuse to act on it. You hear with your ears, but you don’t really listen. [Isaiah 42:20 (NLT)]

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October 26, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Joy, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith

Why Take the Trip?

Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.” [John 14:6 (GW)]

People can have an accurate map and a clear route highlighted to get to a specific location, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to go take the trip. They need the desire to travel before they will depart. They must see that the destination is better than where they happen to be at the time.

Sharing our faith isn’t just about convincing someone that Jesus is the Son of God, our redeemer and savior; it’s much more than proving the accuracy and truth of the New Testament. Sharing our faith is reflecting the love, peace and joy of the destination. Only then will someone want to join us on our journey!

The surest mark of a Christian is not faith, or even love, but joy. [Samuel M. Shoemaker]

 

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October 25, 2013

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Faith & Hope, Prayer, Trusting God

Do You Ever Want to Run Away?

I said, “If only I had wings like a dove – I would fly away and find rest. Indeed, I would run far away. I would stay in the desert. I would hurry to find shelter from the raging wind and storm.” [Psalm 55:6-8 (GW)]

Do we ever outgrow the urge to run away from it all when life gets really messy or complicated? We may not literally pack our bags but we do quit our jobs, change where we live, disconnect from those who love us, retreat into work or the internet, or even get a divorce. Some people escape by turning to obsessive or addictive behavior. We may run from our problems by concealing our feelings, hiding behind a façade of serenity, or even by denying their very existence, thinking if we don’t admit them we won’t have to face them. Instead of running away, however, we need to run to someone; we need to run to God!

But I call on God, and the Lord saves me. … Turn your burdens over to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will never let the righteous person stumble. [Psalm 55:16, 22 (GW)]

When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer. [Corrie ten Boom]

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October 24, 2013

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Prayer

Time to Recharge the God Batteries

The news about Jesus spread even more. Large crowds gathered to hear him and have their diseases cured. But he would go away to places where he could be alone for prayer. [Luke 5:15-16 (GW)]

Once word of Jesus’ miracles got out, can you imagine the throngs of people clamoring for his attention? Jesus traveled, taught, loved and healed. He was, indeed, a busy man. Yet, he was never too busy to focus on what was most important: spending time with God, his Father. Our work is certainly not more important that the work Jesus did, but we often are too occupied with work (and play) to spend time with God. Let’s remember that if we’re too busy for prayer, we’re way too busy!

I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hors in prayer. [Martin Luther]